In Nobis

“She was stable, at least physically. I cannot attest for her mental state. Being one so young it could go both ways. This could have a lasting impact on her, or she may be young enough that she won’t have a memory of it. I’ve given her a sleeping draught, blood replenishing potion, and a nutrient elixir. She will heal faster asleep, and keep her calm. You’ll be able to move her within the hour…” drawled Severus Snape.

Minerva brought her hand trying to school the look of shock and sadness that shook her when she saw little form of Hara laying too still. Molly Weasley has retrieved a worn wooden bassinet she used for her year old Ronald. “Couldn’t we obliviate her..? To save her the grief? First her parents are murdered before her eyes, and god knows what kind of care she experienced over the last two months!” A tear threatened to escape from the old transfiguration professors ice blue eyes.

Remus leaning against the couch, arms crossed, seemed to be lost in thought before he spoke up. “I think it would be unwise to do so… that’s too long of a period to lose. Her mind too young. It could set her back developmentally, and messing with her memory now could have lasting consequences. If she has memories we will deal with them as they come. She has plenty of living yet to do. And we will ensure the memories to come are worth having.”

“I do believe your right Sirius. Hara’s well-being should be our top priority… her safety is paramount. I fear our Hara’s life will have many twists and turns ahead still. She has a job to do that none would envy…” The Hogwarts Headmaster said solemnly, looking down at her through his half-moon spectacles. He placed a hand on the borrowed bassinet and began rocking it gently.

The sight of close proximity between Dumbledore and Hara unnerved Sirius. Even though he knew she was perfectly safe at the moment, it still was enough to let a low growl erupt deep in his chest, and send him shooting to his feet… If he saw the twinkle in that manipulative old man’s eye leveled at her, he wanted to be able to react quickly.

“Can’t you just let her be for one fucking night Albus? Drop the talk of the prophecy and her so called duty to the Wizarding world? She owes them nothing! At this point I would say that they owe her everything! They’re willing to hide behind a little girl. YOU’RE willing to hide behind a little girl! You got James and Lily killed. I will not allow you to damn Hara to the same fate.” Sirius finished. Breathing heavily now holding the opposite side of the bassinet, staring down Dumbledore.

“I would appreciate it if you would refrain from roving my body with your magical eye…” Tom said politely, shooting a humorous look toward Alastair Moody. Which earned Moody a reproving slap from Alice Longbottom, and Mcgonagall.

“Honestly, Moody! Have you no shame! This boy has done nothing but try to help you, to help us! Frank said that he was even trying to keep Hara from drowning in whatever awful liquid Voldemort had them in at the expense of himself!” Alice said, slapping Moody’s head again in her frustration.

“Tom…” Dumbledore says cautiously.

“Yes, Professor?” Tom says innocently looking up at him expectantly, as many young teenagers have over the years.

“Where are you receiving your education?” Dumbledore blurted.

“I’ve graduated sir.” He says, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“From where exactly did you graduate?” The Headmaster shot back with a little more force.

“Albus! Enough! I will not allow the man who saved my life, and the lives of my friends to be interrogated in my house!” Arthur interrupted, putting his hand on Tom’s shoulder in a very fatherly way.

“I don’t mind Mr. Weasley. You are all allowed to ask me anything. If I find a question to personal to share, I will make it known. If it helps all of you to feel comfortable than by all means ask away. Professor Dumbledore… Ask the questions I know you want to.” Said the boyish Lord Slytherin.

“You are Tom Marvolo Riddle…” Dumbledore resumed his line of questioning.

“Yes… I do believe that was covered by the Daily prophet already.” He chuckled.

“The same Tom Marvolo Riddle that I delivered a letter to in Wool's Orphanage.”

Tom nodded, taking a sip of warm tea that Molly prepared for him. Discreetly doing a non-verbal detection spell beforehand.

“The same Tom Marvolo Riddle that was made head boy.”

Tom nodded once more, taking the offered biscuit from Arthur.

“In 1943.” Dumbledore finished.

Tom dusted a crumb from the side of his lip, and set down his tea cup.

“Yes Professor. I am the Tom Riddle. The one you didn’t trust, or like back then, and the one, by the line of questioning, and the way you looked at me back there, with those cloaked people, Death Eaters I believe? And the serpent like man, Voldemort- you assumed I was one of them all these years?” Tom said. Taking another sip of his tea.

This revelation made the entire room freeze for a moment, looking between Tom and Dumbledore.

“He thought you were Voldemort.” Frank interjected.

Tom choked on the tea, sending a spray of it forward. He sheepishly wiped his mouth with a napkin. “How in Merlin did you come to that conclusion? Was it our matching hell inspired eyes? Gods, I was aware I wasn’t in any way your favorite student while I was attending Hogwarts. I always assumed it was more due to my success, casting Gryffindor in the shadow instead of it being center stage as per usual.” This earned a glare and a pinched expression from Dumbledore. “Okay, admittedly, maybe a little over interest in some aspects of the Dark Arts contributed. I was hungry for any branch of magic. Every year I was sent back to that thrice cursed orphanage. I was starved from it. I was not able to use my magic to protect myself from the other children there, nor take a nutrient potion when my stomach was pained from not eating a decent meal in weeks, nor was I able to help the other children with life threatening illness or injury at any time due to being barred from using magic outside of school. I wouldn’t risk it, as selfish as it sounds. Hogwarts was the only home I ever knew. I was not willing to give it up for anything! But I counted the hours until I could return to school… I spent hours in the library researching every inch of the magical world I could. Some of it being Dark, yes. I will not debate with you on the term of dark magic today. But try to understand.. for a moment… what that was like?” Pleaded Tom… who had placed his hands over his face in frustration and upset. “ I am not… That creature…” He mumbled through his hands.

Dumbledore's brows pinched together, and set to pacing the room. Clearly lost within himself.

“Eh, I’m just going to address the erumpent in the room… You graduated in 1944, meaning you were born in..?” Kingsley led.

“1926.” Tom filled in.

Kingsley fell from his standing position back into the cushioned chair, wearing a complete look of bewilderment. “That makes you fifty-five?”

“Nearly, I will be fifty-five this year.” Tom offered lightheartedly.

“Sweet Circe… he’s nearly as old as Minerva! Sirius blurted, earning him a stinging hex across the cheek.

“How is this possible? Forgive me.. But I’m sure you can sympathize with our shock. Our world may be full of wondrous things, but to stop aging, or even perhaps to de-age yourself isn’t a common occurrence. Even for the magical world.” Minerva said. Her eyes looking apologetic at questioning the boy… err… man. After she had just scolded others for doing the same.

“As I mentioned previously, you do not have to apologize for wise questions. Obviously I do not have to point out my age, as it is the topic of the minute. I respect and applaud you Minerva, for needing answers. They bring security to a time where security is of the utmost importance. I’ve spent the last few decades traveling around the world. Both Magical and Muggle. Seeking magic in all its forms, even trying to create my own. I-“

“Tom!” Dumbledore charged towards him with surprising speed, grabbing him by his shirt. “Did you take the philosopher's stone!” The headmaster felt a sharp point at his neck, Tom’s wand. He looked into Tom's eyes and found a fierce resolve, and a dare.

Moody drew his wand and leveled it at Tom. Arthur, Frank, Alice, and Kingsley leveled theirs toward Dumbledore. Severus, Molly, Sirius, and Remus remained still. And Minerva… She looked furious.

“In all my years… Albus. Perceval. Wulfric. Brian. Dumbledore. Headmaster of the world renowned school, Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump of the I.C.W. My longtime friend. And you are acting like a paranoid Auror surpassing the paranoia of Alistair! Unhand that boy-err. Man…” she gave Tom an apologetic look. “You are acting look a school yard Bully Albus, and I am deeply ashamed of you!”

Dumbledore gave McGonagall a fierce look, which was met with her stern look, every bit as fierce, if not more so. His gaze softened, and he released Toms shirt. “I apologize Minnie… I didn’t mean to-“

“To what? Question the man who saved all of our lives? Accuse him of being Voldemort? Then we discover you’ve treated him like this since you met him at an orphanage at age 11? Then proceed to physically assault him? If you’ve ever seen a bad side to this boy I would say he was to show it to you since it’s so clear that’s what you want from him. I’m surprised you didn’t make a monster out of him, because you sure are waking up a monster inside of me!” Minerva Mcgonagall scolded.

The headmaster took a resigned seat next to Moody who gave him a shrug. The room looked shell-shocked at seeing Dumbledore take such a violent verbal beating from Mcgonagall. Frank and Sirius gave each other a small smirk holding back a laugh that would surely earn them a scolding from her as well.

Arthur smiled at his shoes momentarily, then schooled his expression and looked up to address the room. “Lord Slytherin, you were about to tell us how you altered your age? I don’t mean to beat a dead kneazle. But for my curiosity's sake, and I’m sure the other members of this room, we all want to know. How did you do it? And you said muggle? Do you mean to say muggles have their own form of magic?”

“Tom is fine Mr. Weasley. No Albus,” Voldemort said intentionally. “I did not take the philosopher's stone. Perhaps I created my own? One that not only would prevent my death but restore my body. Prevent or control the cells from aging. Maybe, the golden apple spoken about in Norse mythology, or Amrit  in the Hindu mythology, tell me, have you heard the legend of the holy grail in the Christian religion? There are other means of course…” Tom paused. Making eye contact with the headmaster for the briefest of moments. “To answer your question Mr. Weasley, muggles do not have their own magic. But I think they do have answers as to why and how some of our magic works. Without ever realizing it. Take disapparition for instance. Have you heard of wormholes? Their science knows of them through theory. Wormholes are a hypothetical connection between widely separated regions of space-time, creating a shortcut. Muggles can’t generate them because they would need a significant amount of power. And they would have no way to stabilize the hole they just ripped through time and space. There’s no guarantee that it wouldn’t collapse on them if they entered. You see, wormholes aren’t just a theory. They exist… that what we do when we disapparate. That momentary squeezing feeling we have is the wormhole closing rapidly behind us. I’ve even found a solution to mitigate that feeling. Our magic is what protects us from the radiation, and time and space literally squeezing us. It acts as a shield. We didn’t previously know that before, in fact, I don’t even think we bothered to ask the question. But I’ve found if you focus and visualize that shield, you can expand it. You don’t feel the pressurization of it once you do. Which makes for much more comfortable travel. Not only that, it expands the distance at which you can disapparate…”

Arthur gave him a calculated look before shutting his eyes. A moment later, he disappeared from sight, a minute later he returned. “That’s brilliant!”

“Yes yes, you are an intelligent man Tom…” Dumbledore said over the excited chatter of the other order members. “You still haven’t answered my question. Our question.” He said with a little more force. Trying to gather the attention of the group.

“But I did give you the answer… I’ve created my own version of the philosophers stone. Combined with a few muggle sciences, and the Holy Grail as a vessel for the elixir it creates.”

“It took Nicholas Flamel and myself decades to create the philosopher's stone! There’s no way you could have created it on your own!” Dumbledore boomed.

“Sir Roger Bannister was the first man to ever beat the four minute mile. Did you know that professor? He’s the only one who dare try, everyone accepted it as impossible. More interestingly though, after he broke the four minute mile, numerous other runners were able to as well. People perceive barriers in their mind that will not them allow them to reach new heights, and achievements. It takes an especially bold individual to break the bonds that society has wrapped us in to show us that anything is probable. I have you to thank for that professor. The fact that you and Nicholas Flamel showed the magical world that the Philosopher's stone was more than just a fairytale encouraged me to explore it for myself, and other fairy tales, legends, and lore.”

The order was talking in hushed whispers. Exchanging gasps of excitement and awe. All besides Dumbledore who looked like he was about to make the eruption of Mount Vesuvius look like a firecracker.

“That’s an incredible breakthrough my boy… One I’m sure you’re eager to share with the rest of the Wizarding world I’m sure?” The headmaster tried.

“Every bit as eager as you were with your success with the stone sir…” Tom countered.” eventually perhaps. I’m the only test subject at the moment. We will see when a few more decades pass and I observe no side effects. It’s possible I would have a conversation with Saint Mungo's, but that day is is far away from today.”

This started another bout of conversation amongst the order members. They were sufficiently engrossed in their own chatter.

Tom lifted an eyebrow towards them. Fools. He thought. He rose from his seat and walked to the sleeping form of Hara. His eyes looking at every detail. The rise and fall of her chest, to the lack of the flare of her nostrils as she exhaled, and the least palatable to him was the lack of a lightning bolt scar on her forehead. Everything was just wrong. He discreetly brushed his thumb over her exposed arm. There was no gentle and comforting hum to meet his touch. This looked like Hara enough for strangers, enough for people who didn’t share a piece of his soul with her, and her with him. He likened the situation to a photograph of Mona Lisa, to the artwork itself. It lost all depth, and all the brush strokes, blends, and shadows that made it the masterpiece were lost. Or a prosthetic leg. It may do the job, but it’s foreign, cold, and not his. Just a poor copy... he didn’t know why looking at this image bothered him so. It made him sick. Not disgusted. But it made him nauseous to look at. This wasn’t his Hara.

Sirius felt a note develop in his palm and was intelligent enough to know who it was from, and that it should be read discreetly.

“We’re leaving.” It read.

“So tell us, after all these years, why are you coming back to the British Isles?” Dumbledore lobbed another question.

“Albus, maybe one day we will sit over tea and talk about my accomplishments, scholarly pursuits, and any other endeavors. but for today. I am tired and more than a bit cross about being kidnapped, nearly sacrificed, and then treated as if I’m the big bad wolf. Good day professor.” He inclined his head towards the headmaster and made his way toward the rest of the order members shaking hands and exchanging smiles with all. “If there’s not anything else, I would really like to get a decent night's rest, and some proper food. It was a pleasure meeting you all.” Tom said politely.

“Oh no dear, you please, stay. I was just about to make dinner for the rest of them. You’re more than welcome! At least as a thank you, for saving my husband… The house is abnormally quiet at the moment as the little monsters are all sleeping. But we have six boys upstairs, and we’ve just found out a month ago that we are expecting a seventh child. Ooh I do hope it’s a girl! Anyways, I’m sorry… The point being is they all need their father… Thank you Tom. If there is ever anything you need don’t hesitate to ask dear. Floo call us, or heck, just floo in! You’re always welcome now.” Molly grasped Toms forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Also Tom, we’ve discussed just now and we are in agreement… we know it’s a little sudden. But after today’s events and what you’ve done for us… You see, the people around you right now are a group known by few. We are the Order of the Phoenix. We would be honored to have you join our ranks. Your display of magic earlier was masterful and inspiring. I think we could learn a lot from you…” Frank said. His eyes displaying nothing but complete sincerity. Remus and Sirius giving each other a grimace that no one noticed but the two of them and Voldemort.

“He will not!” Dumbledore interrupted. “Absolutely not! I will not allow it!”

Minerva shot him another cold and challenging glare. “Albus! You will not stand in his way if he wishes to join us. You yourself said we need everyone we can to fight Voldemort and his forces. You saw back there. We are frighteningly outnumbered. You may have many titles, but absolute dictator of the order of the Phoenix is not one of them!”

“Thank you Minerva, but as I just only arrived in the British Isles, and only a week in I was kidnapped I have more than a few affairs to attend to. It’s something I may consider at a later time… So I hope the invitation does not have an expiration date. If you lot need any assistance or advice do let me know. Mr. Weasley, if you’d like to talk about bridging muggle sciences and magic I’d love to go over it more with you. I believe the more we understand magic, the better we will be at harnessing it and reaching our full potential. Good evening everyone.” Tom Riddle kisses Molly’s, Minerva’s, and Alice’s hand, and shook the men’s hands. “Good evening to you too, Professor Dumbledore, it was lovely to reacquaint ourselves after so many years.” This time he let a a smirk curl one corner of his face before leaving towards the apparition point. As he’s walking out he hears Dumbledore ask Severus if he’s considered his offer to join the order as well. This caused a broader smile to grace Toms face as he sent a light cold signal to Severus through his mark, indicating that he wanted him to do it. And with that he disappeared into the black of apparition.

——————————————————————

“Draco! Owe! No pull fwower!” Was the noise that greeted Tom as he walked through Malfoy Manor in search of that little voice. Unconsciously, he started moving faster when he heard her. He wanted to see her and erase that foul imitation from his mind.

“Owe! Dracooooo!” He heard Hara say again, this time sounding angry.

“Oomf! Ooweee! Mum! Mum! Help!” Cried Draco.

Tom walked in, just in time to see Hara sitting on top of Draco’s chest, with her hands tugging at his silvery blonde locks. He let out a genuine chuckle erupt from his chest. Yes… this was his Hara. As soon as Hara heard his chuckle she clumsily jumped off of Draco and collided into Voldemort’s legs.

“Dadda! Back! Up! Up!” She demanded. Already half climbing up his legs. She giggled merrily in his arms and then her expression grew as serious as a one and a half year olds face can get, trapping his face between her two tiny hands. “Dadda…. Draco. He pull it! Wook, see?” She tilted her head down so he could see the scrunched gardenia headband he had transfigured for her this morning. “Is broke… I sorry Dadda.” Her lip trembled for a moment. “Draco mean…” she buried her face into his neck and he heard a sniffle escape her though she was fighting back the tears.

Tom felt the calming hum at her proximity and let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He then leveled a look at Narcissa who had paled a good measure.

“They were just playing my Lord… I’m sure you understand that’s children’s game can quickly escalate..” Narcissa nervously defended.

Tom’s eyes darted to Draco momentarily. Pop! The magical ball that changed colors burst in Draco’s hands causing the Malfoy heir to begin crying in sorrow for his broken toy. A wandless silencing spell hit Draco next, soon after he was levitated into his playpen.

“Now that’s taken care of. Where is Lucius and the others? They should be back by now… Sirius and Remus should be arriving any moment with Tili as well.” Voldemort said, placing Hara back on the ground, waving his hand over her headband bringing the delicate flowers back to life.

A knock was heard at the door.

“Narcissa… the Polyjuice hasn’t worn off quite yet. I’ll be in when I can. I just don’t want to frighten our little dragon.” Said the voice of Lucius Malfoy.

“No, I think you’ll enter now Lucius.” Answered Tom.

The door opened up, and in the doorway stood Lucius Malfoy Polyjuiced as Lord Voldemort in his former Serpent glory. Narcissa fought back a grimace, and baby Draco pressed himself to the back of his crib, putting his pillow in between him and his father disguised as the Dark Lord. Hara grabbed onto Tom’s pant leg, looking at Lucius from around his thigh. She gave Lucius a scrutinizing look. Looking at him from head to toe. She eventually let go of Tom’s pant leg and took a cautious step forward, then another, until she was face to knee with Lucius. She pulled on his billowing black cloak, motioning for him to stoop down to her level. A hairless eyebrow raised at Hara’s request. The Snake like form looked at Tom, who only gave a quick nod.

Malfoy leaned down and looked at Hara, not saying a word.

“Dadda?” She questioned, looking at the serpentine form of Voldemort. Her eyes trailing over the shape of his eyes, and his cheekbones. Her eyes darting back to where his nose should be.

“In a way…” was Lucius’s response.

“No, not Dadda. Lucy? No Dadda? Uhmm… ” She said, the surprise and confusion heavy in her little voice.

Voldemort poured a vile of clear liquid over the top of Lucius’s head. His features contorted into that of his true appearance. Blonde hair sprouted from the top of his head, and the burning red eyes cooled into an icy silver grey.

“Mhmph!” Hara stomped away from Lucius, and back into the side of Voldemort. He levitated Hara back into the arms.

“He didn’t scare you, my little horcrux?” The true Dark Lord asked, looking her in the eyes, trying to read her.

“Lucius not Dadda…” she sighed.

Voldemort thought for a moment, then waved his hand over his face. Casting a glamour of his former self on his renewed face. “This one?” Now looking at her with his blood red eyes.

“Yesss! Dadda!” She answered him back half in Parseltongue.

He didn’t spare any more attention to either Lucius or Narcissa as he walked out of their room and strolled to the apparition point. “Let’s go home my little Horcrux…”  He hissed to her before apparating them both on the spot.

——————————————————————

Sirius and Remus jumped when they saw the serpentine form of Voldemort holding Hara, but schooled their expressions quickly. They were just about to pour the Polyjuice antidote over Tilli when they walked in.

“Change her quickly. I never want to see that pathetic excuse for Hara again.” Voldemort ordered.

Tilli quickly reverted back into her house elf form and sighed. “Tilli is happy to help her master, honored to have looked like little lady Slytherin.”

“You didn’t look like her elf. You resembled her just enough to fool the fools… Now what did you call her?”

“Little Lady Slytherin, Master Slytherin…” Tilli’s ears sat back against her head with her growing nervousness.

“And how do you come to the conclusion that she is Lady Slytherin, Tilli?” He asked her, eyebrow raised, and half an amused smirk worn on the corner of his lip.

“Well… when Tilli was tidying masters study, she saw his writings between a goblin and himselves. It said little mistress Hara was his masters heir by magic! Tilli is sorry for being bossy, Tilli is sorry master. She only wanted to address little Lady Slytherin appropriately. She promises!” Giant tears began to fall from the elf’s humongous eyes.

“Your elves can read?” Sirius said surprise laced in his voice.

“Of course! They can be of more use to me reading, and I don’t have to explain things to them this way.” The Dark Lord snapped. “You are correct Tilli, very good. But do not address her as Lady Slytherin in public, am I understood? Do not address her as such in any letter,  absolutely nowhere.”

“Yes master!” She said,  popping away to go make his nightly cup of tea.

“What do you mean Hara is the heir of Slytherin? She isn’t your daughter? She isn’t even related to you!” Sirius growled.

“Well… actually she is. I’m a descendant of the three Peverell brothers, as is she. Distant, distant more so than any Pure Blooded husband and wife, today really. But that’s not how she is my heir. She is my heir by magic. As I do not have any children of my own, the only link I have to anyone is through magic. That Horcrux inside of her, and her horcrux inside of me.” Tom explained.

“You think you have some sort of claim on her…” Lord Black stated.

“Oh I don’t think I do mutt. I have an indisputable claim on her as she is the bearer of my soul. Hara is mine…” The cobalt blue drained from Voldemort’s eyes, and was once again replaced by the blood red.

“And how do you think the public will respond finding that Hara is your heir? It’ll be made public! That’s how those tests work! Everyone knows you aren’t her father. Everyone knows you killed her real father. They’ll figure you out. Someone will…” Hara’s godfather Sirius said bitterly.

“I know you are simple minded, Black. But I am not. I have goblin friends, that know how to keep things off the books should I require. And… Everyone assumes Lord Voldemort killed James Potter, yes… But after your inspired performance today, Lord Slytherin is completely and utterly without blame, and a ‘friend’ to the order.” Voldemort sneered at Black, giving him a mocking smile.  “Tilli, get Hara bathed and changed before bed. Also ward Remus and Sirius’s chambers. They’re privileges to the rest of manor are temporarily restricted.”

“You’re... grounding us?” Lupin asked looking scandalized.

“Yes… Yes I am.”

“On what grounds?” Sirius demanded. Arms flying to his waste.

“You gave me a headache. Now. Go.” With a flick of Voldemort’s wrist, Remus and Sirius were flung into their rooms.

——————————————————————

Voldemort retreated into his study. He settled into his wingback lounge chair, next to the ornate fireplace that was already roaring. Today was successful. He now had the order securely in his pocket. Dumbledore still hated him of course. But that was nearly beneficial. He has endeared himself to the order, so any action of Dumbledore against him would be met with opposition. If he could keep planting seeds of trust and reliability, and Dumbledore’s suspicions grew out of hand, the old headmasters credibility might even wither away to that of a paranoid elderly man.

Further reflection of his day brought something else to light. He was getting attached to Hara. He had never been attached to something in his entire existence. For the last couple of months he’s tried to reason with himself that any fondness for her was purely for his own soul inside of her. Treating her well, was essentially treating himself well. But he couldn’t help but feel a tiny flicker of something when she recognized his old visage. She greeted it not with fear but excitement, adoration and L…

She gifted me with more magic, and restored my body… He argued with himself. Maybe that’s part of the fondness he has for her. That much was indisputable. He loved power. Craved it in all forms. He’s been working on increasing his power for years. Going through all lengths to do so. And while his magic did grow, his body had experienced the sacrifice. Dark rituals were taxing and always came at a steep price.

It wasn’t until he dipped his toe in muggle science did he understand how to expand his magic core, without draining another beings. You could increase the strength and even the size of your magical core, just like a muscle in your body. But it was difficult for even the most talented of wizards, because just as it is to gain more muscle. You need to fatigue that muscle. Exhaust it, causing it to swell, and tear. From those tears, that’s where the growth occurs. Magical fatigue is something most wizards don't experience passed their school years. Never building their core, never exercising it. Remaining stagnant. Even aurors and unspeakables rarely do. Casting a single expelliarmus a single time would be the equivalent of lifting a twenty pound weight once. It takes repetition, it takes more weight as a whole. Varying the strain. Warming up with an expelliarmus, working with bombarda, Reducto, incendio… challenging your core to more strenuous spells, jinxes, and curses such as a fully formed fiendfyre. Of course there are spells where you actually need to practice and exercise them. Shield charms, Confundus charms, memory charms of all kind, the imperius and the cruciatus.

There was something about knowing Hara was his. He has always been a collector of the rare and priceless. The vessels that he used to house his horcruxes nearly had all been priceless and powerful artifacts. Both symbolically and magically. And Hara was no exception to that rule. Not even at schooling age yet, and he could already see her magical core rivaling that of children years her senior. Her symbolic value wasn’t lost on him either. She was the lights prophesied weapon, and she clung to the hem of his cloak, cuddled into his chest happily and found comfort in him. It was humorous in the most twisted of ways. She has shown concern for his safety, shown anger when another impersonated him.

That thrice damned pang rattled his chest once more. She cared for him. Without any expectation. She wasn’t counting on him to deliver her glory, prestige, or power. She wanted nothing from him, but him.

Voldemort dragged his hands over his face. He didn’t understand her. He was struggling to comprehend all of this which that in and of itself was rare. He never had a hard time grasping any concept. Had he ever known someone to just want him? Once an orphan, he had carved out a place for himself at first, through his natural charismatic and charming nature, then with his skill, followed by intimidation, fear, violence, and promises. People were drawn to him for what they thought he could do, bring, and accomplish. Hoping that their association would cast light and fortune in their direction. It occurred so rapidly, which was also something that perplexed him. She hadn’t once feared him, or even been shy. It was if she had known him all along. Immediately reaching toward him as soon as she had laid her eyes on him.

He got up from his chair and made his way down the hall towards her chamber. Cast a silencing spell on the door just in case she had been already fast asleep, he would not disturb. Since when was I ever worried about disturbing anyone? He grimaced, annoyed with himself. He pushed open the door peering in. Hara was laying quietly in her crib, gazing at a soft glowing iridescent bubble that was floating above her. Voldemort drew his wand from his sleeve carefully, casting a detection charm on the orb. He found it to be completely innocuous. Intrigued, he watched on. Hara brought her tiny hand up to the bubble, and it bounced and rippled slightly. It’s hue transitioning from a soft white, to a pale pink.

She is doing this? His breath left him. Finding himself stunned that his little horcrux could perform magic at this young of an age. Not accidental magic, but actual magic. And to create something pleasing to the eye. The light it cast was calming. He made his way quietly into the nursery. Watching her, and watching the orb that now shifted to a sky blue. He summoned the rocking chair from the corner of the room, once again, silently. Placing it close to her crib. He took another step towards her, and she immediately turned towards him as if she sensed his presence. The little bubble turned into a happy soft yellow when she saw him. Her face broke into a soft smile.

“Dadda!” She cooed.

He chuckled at her reaction. “Hello my little horcrux…. did you make this?” He gestured to the bubble.

She nodded enthusiastically. Turning to gently poke the orb.

“That’s very good Hara. Already you have such good control of your magic.” He praised. Since when do I praise anyone who does not accomplish any of my goals?

Hara looked towards the orb and it floated towards Voldemort. Then extended her arms toward him.

He already knowing what she wanted, plucked her out of her crib, and sat her on his lap. She adjusted herself, even going as far as moving his arm so he could properly cradle her.

“Comfortable, are we?” He asked, amusement laced in his words, punctuated by a lifted eyebrow leveled in her direction.

She gave him a pleased smile and a nod of her head. Her green gaze focused once more on the orb and it came closer. She took his free hand in hers and guided him to touch the serene looking bubble. He hesitated slightly and pulled back before coming into contact with it.  Never really trusting anyone or anything, he had never let anyone guide him towards anything. She pulled her thumb from her mouth and patted his chest lightly. He might have not even felt it if it weren’t for the him they shared anytime they touched. It was as she was attempting to reassure him. He recalled a few nights ago, experiencing her nightmare that had bled through into his mind about the snake she has seen in the Malfoys backyard. He had gone into her room to reassure her. Only to stop her from interrupting my rest. He told himself. And he has patted her back as she fell asleep in his arms that night. Now it seems, she was trying to do the same for him. She took his hand again, moving it towards the yellow bubble, and he let his finger brush against it, causing it to ripple and wobble. This time, the bubble turned green.

Hara looked up at him, pleased. Putting her thumb back in her mouth continuing to playfully paw at the orb. Voldemort touched the bubble once more, causing soft pinks, blues, and yellows, and greens to gently swirl inside. His eyes moved to her, and she smiled around her thumb. Her eyes starting to look like the were  finally feeling the weight of sleep.

“You know little one… I cannot have you call me ‘Dadda’  for much longer… it’ll raise suspicion, and may also put a very large target on your back and price on your head. Whether they find out who I truly am or not… And if someone took you from me…”

He tapped the bubble, causing soft orange and yellow to swirl excitedly throughout.

“Then I would have to set the whole world ablaze.”

Hara’s green eyes reflected the yellow and orange looking mesmerized. Her body turned toward his, head snuggled closer to the crook of his arm.

“Tom… Hara, surely you can say Tom?”

Sleepily she looked up at him. “Tom…” she smiled. Closing her eyes momentarily. “Dadda Tom…” her words were muffled by her having her face pressed against his side.

He never entertained the thought of having a child. It never appealed to him. Heirs weren’t necessary, he would be immortal. Negating any need for such a thing. The children at the orphanage grates his nerves. Their needless crying, whining, and the smell. No… They were just leeches in his mind. Sucking the life out of the poor souls who were burdened to care for them. But Hara… she was different. She was special. She never whined or cried without reason. She could entertain herself, already displaying independence at south of two years old, and extreme magical ability too. Maybe one day… Once he achieved his goals, and had the world comfortably under his heel. He would consider an heir. Only if he could be assured it would be exactly like Hara. The once infuriating and annoying sound of “Dadda” was somewhat tolerable after all, he wouldn't even be terribly if he had always had to endure it. Though he would admit that to no one.

Voldemort leaned back in the rocking chair. His fingers moving without him realizing it to settle into the gentle curls at the top of Hara’s head. Fingers moving through it gently as his mind wandered through the day. It was the first step in a long journey. There were still an endless amount of hurdles he would have to face. He looked down at Hara’s face, eyes fluttering now. She was clearly attempting to fight her sleep. He wondered what hurdles she would have to leap over, and how many because of him. Dumbledore came to mind, and the danger he presented. He was sure the headmaster was scheming of ways to get his hands on her. He would not allow it… That much he was sure of.

The light from the bubble slowly dimmed before it went out completely. His eyes fell on Hara who was now fast asleep. He lifted her up, and into her crib, covering her with her soft wool and silk blanket. Several wards and charms were place on her crib, and several more on her door. Before he shut the door he cast one more glance back at her.

“Goodnight my little horcrux…”